Anne McMahon dies

December 20, 2009

Anne McMahon, former journalist, administrative aide, and well-known local environmentalist, died Saturday night following a seven-month struggle against cancer. McMahon, surrounded by family members, died at her home in Santa Margarita.

A graduate of Cal Poly, McMahon, 57, worked as a reporter for both the Paso Robles Country News and New Times before switching to politics where she worked for both county supervisor David Blakely and Cong. Lois Capps. McMahon worked tirelessly on county environmental issues, including a stint with the Nature Conservancy, and long fought to preserve the historic Santa Margarita Ranch from development.

At the time of her death, McMahon was working as Federal Programs Manager for the California Coastal Commission in San Francisco. Further details are pending.

8 Comments

Can’t find the right words to express my gratitude and good fortune for having known Anne and my deep sadness for her passing. Rest in peace Anne — I will be thinking of you atop Indian Knob, within the Cambria pines, and other special places that you protected.

The county, the coast and the Carrizo have lost a relentless, open-hearted advocate. And hundreds of people across the country have lost a best friend. Even people who didn’t agree with her had to admit that they liked her. I can scarcely imagine this community without Annie as part of the landscape.